Huntington Beach seeks to prevent Sept. 14 Wet Electric rave

On the heels of a riot in downtown Huntington Beach earlier this summer, city officials are trying to halt an oceanfront rave from being staged later this month.

The Wet Electric is scheduled for Sept. 14 at Huntington State Beach. Promoters say it will feature almost two dozen well-known deejays, giant water slides, zip lines, cabanas, day beds and bars.

But last week, the City Council authorized the city attorney to file suit to halt the daytime event. The rave is being promoted by Premiere Media Group, the state of California and the nonprofit Giving It Back to Kids.

"It doesn't surprise me," said PMG President Steve Thacher, who said he hadn't received notice of any lawsuit. "They've been pretty irrational up until this point, so I wouldn't expect anything else to change."

Kevin Pearsall, a peace officer with the California State Parks who has been involved in the planning of the event, said he was shocked to find out that the city was trying to halt the rave. He said the promoter and state were doing everything possible to ensure the safety of those in and around the area.

In August, City Atty. Jennifer McGrath sent Thacher a letter requesting that the promoter cancel the event because the company's permit did not abide by the city's zoning and subdivision ordinance regarding temporary use and land-use control.

But Pearsall said the event is taking place on the state beach, not city property.

Ten people were arrested in connection with the rioting that occurred July 28 in downtown Huntington Beach after a surfing tournament.